U.S. patent application number 16/690559 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for critical area safety device and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is GYM DOOR REPAIRS, INC.. Invention is credited to Kathleen Cole, Stephen F. Cole.
Application Number | 20200090436 16/690559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68766379 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200090436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cole; Stephen F. ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
CRITICAL AREA SAFETY DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A method for maintaining a folding operable wall comprising: (a)
recording a template of a biological trait of an authorized
individual into a biometric verification system; (b) saving the
template in a database; (c) capturing a new record; (d) comparing
the new record against the template; (e) confirming the identity of
the authorized individual if the new record is substantially
similar to the saved template; (f) preventing the electrical
operation circuit from functioning if the biometric verification
system fails to authenticate the identity of the authorized
individual; and (g) restarting the electrical operation circuit
after the identity of the authorized individual is verified.
Inventors: |
Cole; Stephen F.; (Great
River, NY) ; Cole; Kathleen; (Great River,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GYM DOOR REPAIRS, INC. |
Great River |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68766379 |
Appl. No.: |
16/690559 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16155303 |
Oct 9, 2018 |
10504311 |
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16690559 |
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62724844 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 21/32 20130101;
G06F 16/22 20190101; G07C 9/00563 20130101; G07C 9/26 20200101;
G07C 9/37 20200101; G07C 9/00896 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07C 9/00 20060101
G07C009/00; G06F 21/32 20060101 G06F021/32; G06F 16/22 20060101
G06F016/22 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A system comprising: a folding operable wall; an electrical
operation circuit configured to control the folding operable wall,
the electrical operation circuit comprising a biometric
verification system, the biometric verification system being
configured to: (a) record a template of a biological trait of an
authorized individual, (b) save the template in a database
associated with the biometric verification system, (c) capture a
new record of a biological trait of a person desiring to maintain
the folding operable wall, (d) compare the new record against the
template, (e) authenticate the identity of the person desiring to
maintain the folding operable wall if the new record is
substantially similar to the saved template, and (f) prevent the
folding operable wall from moving if the biometric verification
system fails to continuously authenticate the identity of the
person desiring to maintain the folding operable wall.
22. The system recited in claim 21, further comprising at least one
control station, the biometric verification system being
operatively coupled to the at least one control station.
23. The system recited in claim 22, wherein the at least one
control station comprises an extend control switch, a stack control
switch, control relays and a motor.
24. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the biometric
verification system is operatively coupled to first and second
control stations, the electrical operation circuit including a
preventing means configured to prevent the folding operable wall
from moving if the identity of the individual desiring to maintain
the folding operable wall is not continuously authenticated at the
first control station or the second control station.
25. The system recited in claim 21, further comprising a first
control station positioned at a first end of the folding operable
wall and a second control station positioned at an opposite second
end of the folding operable wall, the biometric verification system
comprising a first biometric verification system operatively
coupled to the first control station and a second biometric
verification system operatively coupled to the second control
station.
26. The system recited in claim 25, further comprising a control
unit electrically connected to the first control station and the
second control station, the control unit being configured to
prevent the electrical operation circuit from moving.
27. The system recited in claim 21, further comprising a first
control station positioned at a first end of the folding operable
wall and a second control station positioned at an opposite second
end of the folding operable wall, the biometric verification system
being operatively coupled to the first control station, the second
control station lacking a biometric verification system.
28. The system recited in claim 21, wherein the biometric
verification system comprises a fingerprint recognition system and
a fingerprint scanner.
29. The system recited in claim 28, wherein the biometric
verification system uses a pattern-based algorithm to graphically
compare the new record against the template.
30. A system comprising: a folding operable wall; an electrical
operation circuit configured to control the folding operable wall,
the electrical operation circuit comprising at least one control
station, an extend control switch, a stack control switch, control
relays and a motor; and a biometric verification system coupled to
the at least one control station, wherein the electrical operation
circuit is configured to: (a) record a template of at least one
designated biological trait of an individual trained and authorized
to maintain the folding operable wall, (b) save the template in a
database within the biometric verification system, (c) capture from
an individual desiring to maintain the folding operable wall a new
record of the designated biological trait, (d) compare the new
record against the saved template using an algorithm, (e)
authenticate the identity of the individual desiring to maintain
the folding operable wall if the new record is substantially
similar to the saved template, and (f) prevent the folding operable
wall from moving if the biometric verification system fails to
continuously authenticate the identity of the individual desiring
to maintain the folding operable wall.
31. The system recited in claim 30, wherein the electrical
operation circuit includes a preventing means configured to prevent
the wall from moving if the identity of the individual desiring to
maintain the folding operable wall is not continuously
authenticated.
32. The system recited in claim 30, wherein the biometric
verification system comprises a fingerprint recognition system and
a fingerprint scanner.
33. The system recited in claim 32, wherein the biometric
verification system uses a pattern-based algorithm to graphically
compare the new record against the template.
34. The system recited in claim 30, wherein the at least one
control station comprises a first control station positioned at a
first end of the folding operable wall and a second control station
positioned at an opposite second end of the folding operable wall,
the biometric verification system comprising a first biometric
verification system operatively coupled to the first control
station and a second biometric verification system operatively
coupled to the second control station.
35. The system recited in claim 30, wherein the at least one
control station comprises a first control station positioned at a
first end of the folding operable wall and a second control station
positioned at an opposite second end of the folding operable wall,
the biometric verification system being operatively coupled to the
first control station, the second control station lacking a
biometric verification system.
36. A system comprising: a folding operable wall; and an electrical
operation circuit configured to control the folding operable wall,
the electrical operation circuit comprising a first control unit
having a first biometric verification system and a second control
unit having a second biometric verification system, wherein the
electrical operation circuit is configured to: (a) record a
template of a biological trait of an authorized individual, (b)
save the template in a database associated with the biometric
verification systems, (c) capture a new record of a biological
trait of a person desiring to maintain the folding operable wall,
(d) compare the new record against the template, (f) authenticate
the identity of the person desiring to maintain the folding
operable wall if the new record is substantially similar to the
saved template, and (g) prevent the folding operable wall from
moving if the biometric verification systems fail to continuously
authenticate the identity of the person desiring to maintain the
folding operable wall.
37. The system recited in claim 36, wherein the biometric
verification systems each comprise a fingerprint recognition system
and a fingerprint scanner.
38. The system recited in claim 37, wherein the biometric
verification systems each use a pattern-based algorithm to
graphically compare the new record against the template.
39. The system recited in claim 36, wherein the first biometric
verification system is positioned at a first end of the folding
operable wall and the biometric verification system is positioned
at an opposite second end of the folding operable wall.
40. The system recited in claim 36, wherein the biological trait is
a fingerprint.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electrically
operated folding partitions, and more particularly to systems and
methods for preventing injury to persons located in a critical
areas of electrically operated folding partitions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Folding partitions or walls having a plurality of vertically
oriented panels have conventionally been used to provide temporary
walls to, for example, divide off two or more areas of a given
room. In particular, folding portable partitions provide a quick
and efficient means to divide large open rooms, such as a school
gymnasium or auditorium, into smaller areas. The vertically
oriented panels are suspended from a horizontal rail system along
which the panels are movable. In order to facilitate movement of
the portable folding partitions, casters or wheels may be used,
which allow the portable partition to be easily positioned to the
desired location, and then rolled back into its storage area for
later use.
[0003] Folding partitions have been adapted to include mechanisms
which open and close the moving partitions automatically by an
electrical system. Due to the large amount of force needed to move
the weight of the folding partitions, electrically operated folding
partitions can cause injury, or even death, to a person who
accidentally becomes trapped between the partitions.
[0004] In order to make electrically operated folding partitions
safer, the electrical systems have been adapted to install a safety
device that will (a) stop the forward motion of an electrically
operated folding partition whenever a person approaches the moving
partition and the wall, and (b) stop the partition when a person is
present in an area where the partition is being stacked. One such
example of this type of electrically operated folding partition is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,030 to Cole et al., the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the
electrically operated folding partition described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,244,030 to Cole et al. includes a mechanism for shutting down the
electrical operation circuit of the folding operable walls when a
physical obstruction interrupts an infrared barrier curtain on
opposite sides of an operating path of the folding operable walls.
Although this device provides protection when someone approaches
the operating doors, it does not provide complete coverage for
certain danger areas, especially in a critical area directly
between the leading edges of the doors themselves. Nor does it
prevent an unauthorized user from operating the folding operable
wall.
[0005] Thus, even with electrically operated folding partitions
containing automatic reversal sensors or automatic shut-off sensors
there is danger that an undetected individual will become trapped
between the folding partitions. Therefore, it would be desirable to
provide a system and method for protecting the critical area of
folding operable walls.
[0006] Dangers associated with electrically operated folding
partitions increase when an operator of an electrically operated
folding partition is not sufficiently trained or otherwise capable
of operating the electrically operated folding partition in a safe
manner. Accordingly, it is beneficial to ensure that only
authorized users operate the electrically operated folding
partition. Some conventional electrically operated folding
partitions may require a key to fold or unfold the partition.
However, such keys are easily lost and may fall into the hands of
an unauthorized user. Conventional electrically operated folding
partitions lack other means to prevent unauthorized users from
operating the electrically operated folding partitions, thus making
any included safety features, such as, for example, a key easy to
circumvent. This disclosure describes an improvement over these
prior art technologies.
SUMMARY
[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for
maintaining a folding operable wall. The method includes: (a)
providing an electrically operated folding operable wall controlled
by an electrical operation circuit and having at least one
biometric verification system; (b) recording a template of a
biological trait of an authorized individual into the biometric
verification system; (c) saving the template in a database
associated with the biometric verification system; (d) capturing a
new record of a biological trait of a person desiring to maintain
the folding operable wall; (e) comparing the new record against the
template; (f) authenticating the identity of the person desiring to
maintain the folding operable wall if the new record is
substantially similar to the saved template; (g) preventing the
electrical operation circuit from functioning if the biometric
verification system fails to authenticate the identity of the
person desiring to maintain the folding operable wall; and (h)
restarting the electrical operation circuit after the identity of
the person desiring to maintain the folding operable wall is
authenticated.
[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes: a) providing an
electrically operated folding operable wall controlled by an
electrical operation circuit of the type having at least one
control station, an extend control switch, a stack control switch,
control relays and a motor; b) recording a template of at least one
designated biological trait of an individual trained and authorized
to maintain the folding operable wall into a biometric verification
system coupled to the at least one control station; c) saving the
template of the at least one designated biological trait of an
individual trained and authorized to maintain the folding operable
wall in a database within the biometric verification system; d)
capturing from an individual desiring to maintain the folding
operable wall a new record of the designated biological trait; e)
comparing the new record against the saved template using an
algorithm; f) authenticating the identity of the individual
desiring to maintain the folding operable wall if the new record is
substantially similar to the saved template; g) preventing the
electrical operation circuit of the folding operable wall from
functioning if the biometric verification system fails to
authenticate the identity of the individual desiring to maintain
the folding operable wall, wherein the electrical operation circuit
includes a preventing means having at least one control unit
electrically connected between each control station of the
electrical operation circuit and each biometric verification
system, which will prevent the control unit from functioning if the
identity of the individual desiring to maintain the folding
operable wall is not authenticated; and h) restarting the
electrical operation circuit of the folding operable wall after the
identity of the individual desiring to maintain the folding
operable wall is authenticated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The features of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the
following drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device compatible with the
control station of one embodiment of the electrically operated
folding partition system in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a device compatible with the
control station of one embodiment of the electrically operated
folding partition system in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device compatible with
the control station of one embodiment of the electrically operated
folding partition system in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of the control station of one
embodiment of the electrically operated folding partition system in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a device compatible with
the control station of one embodiment of the electrically operated
folding partition system in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure.
[0023] Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout
the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following discussion includes a description of the
methods of the subject invention, and related components. Alternate
embodiments are also disclosed. Reference will now be made in
detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning now to
FIGS. 1-11, the components of a system and method for
authenticating the identity of individuals responsible for
maintaining an electrically operated folding wall system, in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, are
illustrated.
[0025] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the method of the
present disclosure involves an electrically operated folding
operable wall controlled by an electrical operation circuit of the
type having at least one control station 12, an extend control
switch 14, a stack control switch 16, a biometric verification
system 18, control relays and a motor. In one embodiment, shown in
FIG. 2, the method of the present disclosure involves an
electrically operated folding operable wall controlled by an
electrical operation circuit that includes only biometric
verification system 18. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the
method of the present disclosure involves an electrically operated
folding operable wall controlled by an electrical operation circuit
where extend control switch 14 and stack control switch 16 are
replaced by key switch 22 having a first position 22a and a second
position 22b, which is used to stack and extend the electrically
operated folding operable wall, respectively.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, at least one control station 12
is disposed at each end of the electrically operated folding
operable wall. In that the presence of at least one individual is
required for each control station 12 in order to operate the
electrically operated folding operable wall, by including at least
one control station 12 on each side of the folding operable wall,
the presence of at least two individuals is required the entire
time the electrically operated folding wall is being operated. In
another embodiment, the system of the present invention includes at
least one control station 12 on one end of the electrically
operated folding operable wall.
[0027] In the method according the present disclosure, a template
of at least one biological trait of an individual trained and
authorized to maintain the folding operable wall is first captured
by biometric verification system 18 in an enrollment phase.
Biological traits include, for example, fingerprints, facial
geometry, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris
patterns, and voice waves.
[0028] Biometric verification systems suitable for use with the
present invention include, for example, biometric verification
systems selected from the group consisting of: fingerprint
recognition systems, facial recognition systems, earlobe geometry
recognition systems, hand geometry recognition systems, iris
recognition systems, retina recognition systems, voice recognition
systems, and combinations thereof.
[0029] In particular, the individual trained and authorized to
maintain the folding operable wall will provide the required
biological trait to biometric verification system 18 by, for
example, placing his or her finger 20 on a fingerprint scanner in
an enrollment phase, as shown in FIG. 1. The biometric verification
system will create a template of the fingerprint from the scan of
finger 20 obtained by the fingerprint scanner of biometric
verification system 18.
[0030] The template is saved in a database or other memory device
within control station 12 and/or biometric verification system 18.
The template is later compared to a new record to verify the
identity of the individual in a test phase, should the individual
wish to access or operate the electrically operated folding
operable wall. The methods of the present invention may include any
biometric verification system which records a person's unique
biological traits, and stores the same in a database during an
enrollment phase; and then captures a new record when
identification verification is subsequently required, to compare
with the records in the database stored in the test phase to
estimate the similarity between the new record and the stored
template using an algorithm. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, biometric verification system 18 includes a
database or other memory device, which is a solid state memory.
[0031] When an individual trained and authorized to maintain the
folding operable wall desires to gain access to the same, he or she
must create or "capture" a new record of the same biological trait
previously recorded in the enrollment phase, for example, a
fingerprint. Indeed, the individual trained and authorized to
maintain the folding operable wall may provide the required
biological trait to biometric verification system 18 by, for
example, placing his or her finger 20 on the fingerprint scanner
included in biometric verification system 18, as shown in FIG. 1.
The new record is compared against the template to determine if the
new record and the template are substantially similar, using an
algorithm. The identity of the individual trained and authorized to
maintain the folding operable wall is confirmed if the new record
from the test phase is substantially similar to the saved template
from the enrollment phase. Once the identity is confirmed, control
station 12 will allow the individual to operate the folding
operable wall to extend and/or stack the wall, as discussed herein.
That is, control station 12 will not allow the individual to
operate the folding operable wall to extend and/or stack the wall
until the individual's identity is confirmed by matching the new
record with the saved template. In some embodiments, "substantially
similar," as used herein refers to data and/or features that is/are
at least about 50% the same, at least about 60% the same, at least
about 70% the same, at least about 80% the same, at least about 90%
the same, at least about 95% the same, or at least about 99% the
same.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
individual trained and authorized to maintain the folding operable
wall which desires to gain access to the same, may use an
artificial reproduction of the biological trait previously recorded
in the enrollment phase. The template is compared against the
artificial reproduction of the biological trait previously recorded
to determine if the artificial reproduction of the biological trait
previously recorded and the template are substantially similar,
using an algorithm. If the artificial reproduction of the
biological trait previously recorded and the template are
substantially similar, the identity of the individual whose
biological trait was recorded in the enrollment phase is confirmed,
thus allowing any individual possessing the artificial reproduction
of the biological trait previously recorded to operate the
electrically operated folding operable wall. Once the identity is
confirmed, control station 12 will allow the individual to operate
the folding operable wall to extend and/or stack the wall, as
discussed herein. That is, control station 12 will not allow the
individual to operate the folding operable wall to extend and/or
stack the wall until the artificial reproduction of the biological
trait previously recorded is confirmed by matching the artificial
reproduction of the biological trait previously recorded with the
template.
[0033] For example, artificial reproductions of fingers and/or
fingerprints may be created from finger 20 of an authorized
individual whose fingerprint was previously stored in a database
during an enrollment phase using methods known in the art. The
authorized individual may provide the artificial finger/fingerprint
to an individual whose fingerprint is not recorded in the database
(did not participate in the enrollment phase). The individual whose
fingerprint is not recorded in the database will provide the
required biological trait (a fingerprint) to biometric verification
system 18 in a test phase by, for example, placing the artificial
finger/fingerprint on a fingerprint scanner included in biometric
verification system 18. The new record of the artificial
finger/fingerprint is compared against the template to determine if
the new record and the template are substantially similar, using an
algorithm. The identity of the individual trained and authorized to
maintain the folding operable wall is confirmed if the new record
(from the test phase) is substantially similar to the saved
template (from the enrollment phase). Once the identity of the
individual trained and authorized to maintain the folding operable
wall is confirmed using the artificial finger/fingerprint, the
individual whose fingerprint is not recorded in the database (did
not participate in the enrollment phase) may nevertheless access
and operate the electrically operated folding partition.
[0034] Furthermore, photographic images of an individual's face,
earlobe, hand, iris, and retina may be used to artificially
reproduce certain characteristics of an individual's face, earlobe,
hand, iris, and retina, respectively. These artificial
reproductions (images) may be created to circumvent biometric
verification systems 18, such as, for example, facial recognition
systems, earlobe geometry recognition systems, hand geometry
recognition systems, iris recognition systems, and retina
recognition systems. Indeed, photographic images can circumvent
facial recognition systems, earlobe geometry recognition systems,
hand geometry recognition systems, iris recognition systems, and
retina recognition systems to provide a trained, authorized
individual responsible for maintaining the electrically operated
folding partition the ability to have other trained individuals,
whose biometric characteristics are not recorded in a database (did
not participate in the enrollment phase), operate, and hence
service, the electrically operated folding partition.
[0035] The individual trained and authorized to operate
electrically operated folding operable walls, who has entered his
or her biological data, such as a his or her facial geometry,
earlobe geometry, hand geometry, or iris and retina patterns, for
example, into the biometric verification system during the
enrollment phase, may provide photographic images of his or her
face, for example, to an individual whose biological data is not
recorded in the database (did not participate in the enrollment
phase). The individual whose biological data is not recorded in the
database will provide the required biological trait (a photographic
image of an individual's retina, for example) to biometric
verification system 18 by, for example, placing the photograph in
front of a camera included in biometric verification system 18. The
new record of the photographic image is compared against the
template to determine if the new record and the template are
substantially similar, using an algorithm. The identity of the
individual trained and authorized to maintain the folding operable
wall is confirmed during the test phase if the new record is
substantially similar to the saved template. Once the identity of
the individual trained and authorized to maintain the folding
operable wall is confirmed, the individual whose biological data is
not recorded in the database (did not participate in the enrollment
phase) may nevertheless access and operate the electrically
operated folding partition. Indeed, any individual possessing the
artificial reproduction of the biological trait previously recorded
may operate the electrically operated folding operable wall.
[0036] Artificial reproductions of an individual's voice may be
used to circumvent voice or speaker recognition systems. Indeed, an
authorized individual, whose voice print is recorded in a database
of a voice recognition system during the enrollment phase, may
record his or her voice to create an artificial reproduction
thereof. He or she may provide the voice recording to an individual
whose voice print is not recorded in the database (did not
participate in the enrollment phase), in order to allow that
individual to access and operate the electrically operated folding
partition. The individual will be able to access and operate the
folding operable wall if the voice recording is substantially
similar to the saved template.
[0037] A preventing means prevents the electrical operation circuit
of the folding operable wall from functioning if biometric
verification system 18 fails to authenticate the identity of an
individual which is trained and authorized to operate the folding
operable wall, which has had his or her biological trait(s)
recorded and saved by biometric verification system 18 in an
enrollment phase, from the new record. In particular, the
preventing means includes at least one control unit electrically
connected between each control station 12 of the electrical
operation circuit and each biometric verification system 18, which
will prevent control unit from functioning if the identity of an
authorized individual cannot be verified.
[0038] Moreover, because the preventing means includes at least one
control unit electrically connected between each control station 12
of the electrical operation circuit and each biometric verification
system 18, if biometric verification system 18 fails to
authenticate the identity of the individual responsible for
maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall at any
time in which the electrically operated folding operable wall is in
operation, the electrically operated folding operable wall will
cease to operate (is turned off from an on position).
[0039] A restarting means restarts the electrical operation circuit
of the folding operable wall after the identity of the individual
trained and authorized to maintain the folding operable wall is
verified, wherein the restarting means includes a reset control key
switch in at least one control unit, which when turned on will
reactivate the electrical operation circuit and biometric
verification system 18.
[0040] To normally close an electrically operated folding operable
wall of an electrically operated folding operable wall system that
includes an extend control switch 14 and a stack control switch 16,
rather than a key switch 22, in accordance with the methods of the
present invention, the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall must create a new
record using biometric verification system 18 in a test phase. In
one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the individual responsible for
maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall is
required to place his or her finger 20 (or an artificial
reproduction thereof) on a fingerprint scanner included in
biometric verification system 18 in the test phase, which creates a
new record of the individual's fingerprint (or an image of the
artificial reproduction of a fingerprint from an authorized
individual whose fingerprint was recorded in the enrollment phase)
and compares the same with fingerprint images in a database
included in biometric verification system 18 obtained during an
enrollment phase (templates). If the image of the fingerprint in
the new record matches a template fingerprint image in the
database, the identity of the individual from the enrollment phase
is confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the
operator presses extend control switch 14. Pressing extend control
switch 14 will electrically connect extend control switch 14 with
control station 12, which will activate the proper control relays
and motor. The electrically operated folding operable wall will
then close along the operating path and extend to the distal side
wall.
[0041] To normally open an electrically operated folding operable
wall of an electrically operated folding operable wall system that
includes an extend control switch 14 and a stack control switch 16,
rather than a key switch 22, in accordance with the methods of the
present invention, the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall must create a new
record using biometric verification system 18. As shown in FIG. 1,
the individual responsible for maintaining the electrically
operated folding operable wall is required to place his or her
finger 20 (or an artificial reproduction thereof) on a fingerprint
scanner included in biometric verification system 18 to create a
new record in a test phase, which captures an image of the
individual's fingerprint (or an artificial reproduction thereof)
and compares the image of the individual's fingerprint with the
with fingerprint images in a database included in biometric
verification system 18 obtained during an enrollment phase. If the
image of the fingerprint matches in the new record matches a
template fingerprint image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the
individual's identity is confirmed, the individual responsible for
maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall presses
stack control switch 16. After stack control switch 16 is pressed,
stack control switch 16 will electrically connect through control
station 12, which will activate the proper control relays and
motor. The electrically operated folding operable wall will then
open along the operating path and stack up to the stacked side
wall.
[0042] If biometric verification system 18 is unable to verify the
identity of the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall at any time in which
the electrically operated folding operable wall is in operation,
the preventing means will cause the electrically operated folding
operable wall to stop. In particular, if biometric verification
system 18 is unable to verify the identity of the individual
responsible for maintaining the electrically operated folding
operable wall, the preventing means will turn off control station
12, which in turn stops the motor. In order to continue opening or
closing the electrically operated folding operable wall, the
individual responsible for maintaining the electrically operated
folding operable wall is required to follow the appropriate steps,
as set forth above. In some embodiments, the individual responsible
for maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall
must be in direct contact with control station 12 the entire time
the electrically operated folding operable wall is being opened or
closed. For example, in some embodiments, the individual must keep
his or her finger on the fingerprint sensor while the wall is being
opened or closed. That is, if the individual removes his or her
finger from the fingerprint sensor, the preventing means will
activate to prevent the wall from further opening or closing.
[0043] To normally close an electrically operated folding operable
wall of an electrically operated folding operable wall system that
includes a key switch, rather than an extend control switch 14 and
a stack control switch 16, as shown in FIG. 4, in accordance with
the methods of the present invention, the individual responsible
for maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall
must create a new record using biometric verification system 18.
For example, the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall may be required to
place his or her finger 20 (or an artificial reproduction thereof)
on a fingerprint scanner included in biometric verification system
18 in a test phase, as shown in FIG. 1, which captures an image of
the individual's fingerprint and compares the image of the
individual's fingerprint with the with fingerprint images in a
database included in biometric verification system 18 obtained
during an enrollment phase. If the image of the fingerprint in the
new record matches a template fingerprint image in the database,
the identity of the individual from the enrollment phase is
confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the
operator turns key switch 22 to a first position 22a. After key
switch 22 is turned to a first position 22a, key switch 22 will
electrically connect through control station 12, which will
activate the proper control relays and motor. The electrically
operated folding operable wall will then close along the operating
path and extend to the distal side wall.
[0044] In one particular embodiment of the present invention, in
order to continue opening or closing the electrically operated
folding operable wall after the preventing means has caused the
electrically operated folding operable wall to stop, the individual
responsible for maintaining the electrically operated folding
operable wall is required to activate a reset control switch,
before following the appropriate steps set forth above for opening
and closing.
[0045] To normally open an electrically operated folding operable
wall of an electrically operated folding operable wall system that
includes a key switch, rather than an extend control switch 14 and
a stack control switch 16, as shown in FIG. 4, the individual
responsible for maintaining the electrically operated folding
operable wall must create a new record using biometric verification
system 18. For example, the individual responsible for maintaining
the electrically operated folding operable wall may be required to
place his or her finger 20 (or an artificial reproduction thereof)
on a fingerprint scanner included in biometric verification system
18 in a test phase, as shown in FIG. 1, which captures an image of
the individual's fingerprint and compares the image of the
individual's fingerprint with the with fingerprint images in a
database included in biometric verification system 18 obtained
during an enrollment phase. If the image of the fingerprint in the
new record matches a template fingerprint image in the database,
the identity of the individual from the enrollment phase is
confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the
operator turns key switch 22 to a second position 22b. After key
switch 22 is turned to a second position 22b, key switch 22 will
electrically connect through control station 12, which will
activate the proper control relays and motor. The electrically
operated folding operable wall will then open along the operating
path and stack up to the stacked side wall. Switch 23 is a tamper
resistant push button switch for actuation by the finger of a human
operator for operation and control as described above in connection
with extend control switch 14 and stack control switch 16.
[0046] If biometric verification system 18 is unable to verify the
identity of the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall at any time in which
the electrically operated folding operable wall is in operation,
the preventing means will cause the electrically operated folding
operable wall to stop. In particular, if biometric verification
system 18 is unable to verify the identity of the individual
responsible for maintaining the electrically operated folding
operable wall, the preventing means will turn off control station
12, which in turn stops the motor. In order to continue opening or
closing the electrically operated folding operable wall, the
individual responsible for maintaining the electrically operated
folding operable wall is required to follow the appropriate steps,
as set forth above.
[0047] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, control station 12
includes an interface having biometric verification system 18.
Control station 12 may be coupled to an existing electrically
operated folding operable wall system, such as, for example, an
electrically operated folding operable wall system that lacks a
biometric verification system to facilitate retrofitting of older
equipment. Control station 12 permits operation of an extend
control switch and a stack control switch of the existing
electrically operated folding operable wall system when
authentication of the operator is confirmed, and prevents operation
of the extend control switch and the stack control switch when
authentication of the operator is not confirmed. To normally close
an electrically operated folding operable wall having such a
system, the individual responsible for maintaining the electrically
operated folding operable wall must create a new record using
biometric verification system 18. For example, the individual
responsible for maintaining the electrically operated folding
operable wall may be required to place his or her finger 20 (or an
artificial reproduction thereof) on a fingerprint scanner included
in biometric verification system 18 in a test phase, as shown in
FIG. 1, which captures an image of the individual's fingerprint and
compares the image of the individual's fingerprint with the with
fingerprint images in a database included in biometric verification
system 18 obtained during an enrollment phase. If the image of the
fingerprint in the new record matches a template fingerprint image
in the database, the identity of the individual from the enrollment
phase is confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed,
the individual responsible for maintaining the electrically
operated folding operable wall either turns a key switch or presses
an extend control switch. Turning the key switch or pressing the
extend control switch will electrically connect the key switch or
the extend control switch 14 through control station 12, which will
activate the proper control relays and motor. The electrically
operated folding operable wall will then close along the operating
path and extend to the distal side wall.
[0048] To normally open an electrically operated folding operable
wall having such a system, the individual responsible for
maintaining the electrically operated folding operable wall must
create a new record using biometric verification system 18. For
example, the individual responsible for maintaining the
electrically operated folding operable wall may be required to
place his or her finger 20 (or an artificial reproduction thereof)
on a fingerprint scanner included in biometric verification system
18 in a test phase, as shown in FIG. 1, which captures an image of
the individual's fingerprint and compares the image of the
individual's fingerprint with the with fingerprint images in a
database included in biometric verification system 18 obtained
during an enrollment phase. If the image of the fingerprint in the
new record matches a template fingerprint image in the database,
the identity of the individual from the enrollment phase is
confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the
operator either turns a key switch or presses a stack control
switch. Turning the key switch or pressing the stack control switch
will electrically connect the key switch or the stack control
switch through control station 12, which will activate the proper
control relays and motor. The electrically operated folding
operable wall will then open along the operating path and stack up
to the stacked side wall.
[0049] In some embodiments, the control station 12 shown in FIG. 2
may be coupled to a control station, such as, for example, a
control station 24, shown in FIG. 5, that lacks a biometric
verification system. Control station 24 includes an extend control
switch 26 similar to extend control switch 14 and a stack control
switch 28 similar to stack control switch 16. Control switch 26 and
stack control switch 28 are configured to open and close the
electrically operated folding operable wall, similar to extend
control switch 14 and stack control switch 16.
[0050] In some embodiments, the control station 12 shown in FIG. 2
may be directly wired to control station 24. In such embodiments,
the control station 12 will send a signal to control station 24 via
a wired connection when authorization of the operator is confirmed
to allow extend control switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 to
be actuated to open and close the electrically operated folding
operable wall, as discussed herein. In such embodiments, control
station 12 will not send the signal to control station 24 unless
and until authorization of the operator is confirmed, which
prevents control switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 from
being actuated to open and close the electrically operated folding
operable wall unless and until authorization of the operator is
confirmed.
[0051] In some embodiments, the control station 12 shown in FIG. 2
may wirelessly couple to control station 24. For example, in some
embodiments, the control station 12 shown in FIG. 2 may include a
sensor 12a configured to send a signal to a sensor 30 of control
station 24 when authorization of the operator is confirmed to allow
extend control switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 to be
actuated to open and close the electrically operated folding
operable wall, as discussed herein. In such embodiments, sensor 12a
will not send the signal to sensor 30 of control station 24 unless
and until authorization of the operator is confirmed, which
prevents control switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 from
being actuated to open and close the electrically operated folding
operable wall unless and until authorization of the operator is
confirmed.
[0052] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, biometric verification
system 18 of control station 12 includes a fingerprint scanner 32
incorporated directly into control station 12. Fingerprint scanner
32 includes a tray 34 that is accessible by rotating a flap 36
relative to a face of control station 12. To operate the
electrically operated folding operable wall, a user rotates flap 36
relative to the face of control station 12 to move flap 36 from a
closed orientation in which tray 34 is not accessible to an open
configuration in which tray 34 is accessible. The user then presses
one or more of his or her fingers, such as, for example, finger 20
against tray 34. Pressing one or more of the user's fingers against
tray 34 causes fingerprint scanner 32 to scan the user's finger(s)
that is/are pressed against tray 34 to create one or more
fingerprint images and create a new record of the one or more
fingerprint images. Fingerprint scanner 32 and/or biometric
verification system 18 will then compare the fingerprint images
obtained by fingerprint scanner 32 (the new record) with
fingerprint images in a database in biometric verification system
18 that were obtained during an enrollment phase (templates). If
the image(s) of the fingerprint(s) in the new record match a
template fingerprint image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the
individual's identity is confirmed, the operator may press extend
control switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 to open or close
the electrically operated folding operable wall. If the image(s) of
the fingerprint(s) in the new record do not match a template
fingerprint image in the database, the identity of the individual
from the enrollment phase is not confirmed and control station 12
will prevent the operator from pressing extend control switch 14
and/or stack control switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14
and/or stack control switch 16 will be non-operational unless and
until the individual's identity is confirmed.
[0053] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the system of the
present disclosure uses a handheld device, such as, for example, a
tablet or smartphone 38 that includes a fingerprint scanner 40. In
some embodiments, smartphone 38 includes an application and/or
software that is compatible with fingerprint scanner 40. Smartphone
38 further includes a sensor that is configured to send a signal to
a sensor, such as, for example, sensor 30 of the control station 12
shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, smartphone 38 is configured
to display an image of a fingerprint obtained by fingerprint
scanner 40 on a screen of smartphone 38, as shown in FIG. 7.
Pressing one or more of the user's fingers against fingerprint
scanner 40 causes fingerprint scanner 40 to scan the user's
finger(s) that is/are pressed against fingerprint scanner 40 to
create one or more fingerprint images and create a new record of
the one or more fingerprint images. Smartphone 38 includes a
processor that compares the new record with fingerprint images in a
database that were obtained during an enrollment phase (templates).
If the image(s) of the fingerprint(s) in the new record match a
template fingerprint image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the
individual's identity is confirmed, the sensor of smartphone 38
will send a signal to sensor 30 to allow the operator to press
extend control switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 to open or
close the electrically operated folding operable wall. However, if
the individual's identity is not confirmed, the sensor of
smartphone 38 will not send a signal to sensor 30 to allow the
operator to press extend control switch 14 and/or stack control
switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14 and/or stack control
switch 16 will be non-operational unless and until the individual's
identity is confirmed and the sensor of smartphone 38 sends a
signal to sensor 30.
[0054] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, biometric verification
system 18 of control station 12 includes a face scanner 42
incorporated directly into control station 12. Face scanner 42
includes a first camera 44. In some embodiments, face scanner 42
also includes a second camera 46. Camera 44 and/or camera 46 are
configured to take an image of a person's face and display the
image of the person's face on a display 48. Face scanner 42
includes a processor configured to compare the image of the
person's face taken by camera 44 and/or camera 46 with facial
images in a database. To operate the electrically operated folding
operable wall, a user positions his or her face in front of camera
44 and/or camera 46, which capture an image of the user's face to
create one or more facial images and create a new record of the one
or more facial images. Face scanner 42 and/or biometric
verification system 18 will then compare the facial images obtained
by face scanner 42 (the new record) with facial images in a
database in biometric verification system 18 that were obtained
during an enrollment phase (templates). If the image(s) of the face
in the new record match a template facial image in the database,
the identity of the individual from the enrollment phase is
confirmed. Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the
operator may press extend control switch 14 and/or stack control
switch 16 to open or close the electrically operated folding
operable wall. If the image(s) of the face in the new record do not
match a template facial image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is not confirmed and control
station 12 will prevent the operator from pressing extend control
switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16. That is, extend control
switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 will be non-operational
unless and until the individual's identity is confirmed.
[0055] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the system of the
present disclosure uses a handheld device, such as, for example, a
tablet or smartphone 50 that includes a camera and a processor
configured to create facial images taken by the camera. Smartphone
50 further includes a sensor that is configured to send a signal to
a sensor, such as, for example, sensor 30 of the control station 12
shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, smartphone 50 is configured
to display a facial image obtained by the camera on a screen of
smartphone 50, as shown in FIG. 9. The camera captures one or more
facial images and the processor of smartphone 50 creates a new
record of the one or more facial images. The processor of
smartphone 50 compares the new record with facial images in a
database that were obtained during an enrollment phase (templates).
If the facial image(s) in the new record match a template facial
image in the database, the identity of the individual from the
enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the individual's identity is
confirmed, the sensor of smartphone 50 will send a signal to sensor
30 to allow the operator to press extend control switch 14 and/or
stack control switch 16 to open or close the electrically operated
folding operable wall. However, if the individual's identity is not
confirmed, the sensor of smartphone 50 will not send a signal to
sensor 30 to allow the operator to press extend control switch 14
and/or stack control switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14
and/or stack control switch 16 will be non-operational unless and
until the individual's identity is confirmed and the sensor of
smartphone 50 sends a signal to sensor 30.
[0056] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, biometric verification
system 18 of control station 12 includes a retina scanner 52
incorporated directly into control station 12. Retina scanner 52
includes a camera configured to take an image of a person's retina.
Retina scanner 52 includes a processor configured to compare the
image of the person's retina taken by the camera with images of
retinas in a database. To operate the electrically operated folding
operable wall, a user positions his or her face in front of the
camera, which captures an image of the user's retina to create one
or more retina images and create a new record of the one or more
retina images. Retina scanner 52 and/or biometric verification
system 18 will then compare the retina images obtained by the
camera (the new record) with retina images in a database in
biometric verification system 18 that were obtained during an
enrollment phase (templates). If the image(s) of the retina in the
new record match a template retina image in the database, the
identity of the individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed.
Once the individual's identity is confirmed, the operator may press
extend control switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 to open or
close the electrically operated folding operable wall. If the
image(s) of the retina in the new record do not match a template
retina image in the database, the identity of the individual from
the enrollment phase is not confirmed and control station 12 will
prevent the operator from pressing extend control switch 14 and/or
stack control switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14 and/or
stack control switch 16 will be non-operational unless and until
the individual's identity is confirmed.
[0057] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the system of the
present disclosure uses a handheld device, such as, for example, a
tablet or smartphone 54 that includes a camera and a processor
configured to create one or more retina images taken by the camera.
Smartphone 54 further includes a sensor that is configured to send
a signal to a sensor, such as, for example, sensor 30 of the
control station 12 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, smartphone
54 is configured to display a retina image obtained by the camera
on a screen of smartphone 54, as shown in FIG. 11. The camera
captures one or more retina images and the processor of smartphone
54 creates a new record of the one or more retina images. The
processor of smartphone 54 compares the new record with retina
images in a database that were obtained during an enrollment phase
(templates). If the retina image(s) in the new record match a
template retina image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the
individual's identity is confirmed, the sensor of smartphone 54
will send a signal to sensor 30 to allow the operator to press
extend control switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 to open or
close the electrically operated folding operable wall. However, if
the individual's identity is not confirmed, the sensor of
smartphone 54 will not send a signal to sensor 30 to allow the
operator to press extend control switch 14 and/or stack control
switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14 and/or stack control
switch 16 will be non-operational unless and until the individual's
identity is confirmed and the sensor of smartphone 54 sends a
signal to sensor 30.
[0058] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, biometric verification
system 18 of control station 12 includes a two or more
scanners/systems incorporated directly into control station 12. As
shown in FIG. 12, control station 12 includes a fingerprint scanner
32 and a facial scanner 42 incorporated directly into control
station 12. However, it is envisioned that control station 12 may
include two or more of any of the scanners/systems discussed
herein. For example, control station 12 may include a fingerprint
scanner, such as, for example, fingerprint scanner 32, a facial
scanner, such as, for example, facial scanner 42, a retina scanner,
such as, for example, retina scanner 52, an earlobe geometry
recognition system, a hand geometry recognition system, an iris
recognition system, a voice recognition system, a signature
recognition system and/or a key stroke recognition system. In some
embodiments, an individual's identity must be confirmed using at
least two scanners/systems before the individual can open or close
the electrically operated folding operable wall. For example,
fingerprint scanner 32 and/or biometric verification system 18 will
compare fingerprint images obtained by fingerprint scanner 32 (the
new record) with fingerprint images in a database in biometric
verification system 18 that were obtained during an enrollment
phase (templates). If the image(s) of the fingerprint(s) in the new
record match a template fingerprint image in the database, face
scanner 42 and/or biometric verification system 18 will then
compare the facial images obtained by face scanner 42 (the new
record) with facial images in a database in biometric verification
system 18 that were obtained during an enrollment phase
(templates). If the image(s) of the face in the new record match a
template facial image in the database, the identity of the
individual from the enrollment phase is confirmed. Once the
individual's identity is confirmed, the operator may press extend
control switch 14 and/or stack control switch 16 to open or close
the electrically operated folding operable wall. If the image(s) of
the face in the new record do not match a template facial image in
the database, the identity of the individual from the enrollment
phase is not confirmed and control station 12 will prevent the
operator from pressing extend control switch 14 and/or stack
control switch 16. That is, extend control switch 14 and/or stack
control switch 16 will be non-operational unless and until the
individual's identity is confirmed. It is envisioned that the order
of the verification systems can be reversed. For example, the
identity of the individual may be confirmed by face scanner 42
before the individual's identity is confirmed by fingerprint
scanner 32.
[0059] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, the control stations 12
discussed above may wirelessly couple to an alarm, such as, for
example, a horn strobe 56 configured to notify persons in the same
room and/or area as the electrically operated folding operable wall
that the electrically operated folding operable wall is being
opened and/or closed. For example, in some embodiments, the control
stations 12 discussed above may include a sensor, such as, for
example, sensor 12a configured to send a signal to a sensor 58 of
horn strobe 56 when authorization of the operator is confirmed to
allow extend control switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 to be
actuated to open and close the electrically operated folding
operable wall, as discussed herein. In such embodiments, sensor 12a
will not send the signal to sensor 58 unless and until
authorization of the operator is confirmed, which prevents control
switch 26 and/or stack control switch 28 from being actuated to
open and close the electrically operated folding operable wall
unless and until authorization of the operator is confirmed. In
some embodiments, when authorization of the operator is confirmed,
sensor 12a will send the signal to sensor 58 and a strobe 60 of
horn strobe 56 will provide flashes of light intermittently and/or
a speaker 62 of horn strobe 56 will produce a loud sound to notify
persons in the same room and/or area as the electrically operated
folding operable wall that the electrically operated folding
operable wall is being opened and/or closed.
[0060] In some embodiments, strobe 60 will provide flashes of light
intermittently and/or a speaker 62 will produce a loud sound before
the electrically operated folding operable wall begins to open or
close. For example, strobe 60 can provide flashes of light
intermittently and/or a speaker 62 can produce a loud sound for a
selected amount of time, such as, for example, one or more minutes
before the electrically operated folding operable wall begins to
open or close. This will provide people in a path of the
electrically operated folding operable wall to exit the path of the
electrically operated folding operable wall before the electrically
operated folding operable wall begins to open or close. In some
embodiments, strobe 60 will provide flashes of light intermittently
and/or a speaker 62 will produce a loud sound until the
electrically operated folding operable wall is fully opened or
closed and strobe 60 and/or speaker 62 will cease to provide
intermittent flashes of light and/or a loud noise once the
electrically operated folding operable wall is fully opened or
closed. In some embodiments, strobe 60 will continue to provide
flashes of light intermittently and/or a speaker 62 will continue
to produce a loud sound for a period of time, such as, for example,
one or more minutes after the electrically operated folding
operable wall is fully opened or closed.
[0061] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above
description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit
of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *